The Rainforest Habitat is a wildlife park of the future and world leader in mixed immersion exhibits. It is situated in Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland, Australia, on eight acres of land that has been recreated to provide a window into our natural environment. Visitors can wander through three different and unique environments that depict numerous species of the surrounding rainforest, wetlands, and grasslands.
Historic Daintree Village - browse through the Daintree Timber Museum, gallery, arts and crafts. Daintree Coffee Shop for their famous panfried Barramundi with tropical salad. Daintree river train - eco -environmental wilderness cruise in a state marine park world heritage area!) A first in eco-tourism . Leisurely, informative cruise aboard the World's only "floating river train. Your commentary aboard the River Train employs solar P.A. powered by Daintree sunshine . Naturalist guides - the river people know the river and its secrets.
FREE Afternoon tea at the Pattersons family property - builders and originators of the Daintree River Train. After your Daintree River tour we recommend our drive tour into the Mossman River George.
Bordering the wet tropics world heritage areas your hosts guide you along their private mangrove and rainforest all weather boardwalk - native fish viewing (tidal).
Exclusive Spas offer world recognised treatments at Australia's No 1 tropical holiday destination where the reef meets the rainforest Port Douglas.
Fusing ancient therapies from the Never Never with the tropical rainforests and reef culture of the far north. Immerse your senses in the pure vibrancy of our amazing treatments and therapies using the uniquely Australian Spa care range LI'TYA. LI'TYA integrates the precious qualities of the Australian earth, sea & spirit with the use of the profound wisdom of ancient Aboriginal medicines, spirituality and healing modalities.
They also offer their special locally inspired & produced ‘DAINTREE NATURALS’ range that includes: Ochre’s, clays & muds from the Daintree Rainforest & Australian bush botanics, oils & lotions that include: Lemon & Honey Myrtle, Wattleseed, Quandong, Davidson & Kakadu Plum, Wild Rosella & smoked Paper bark …to name a few of the potent locally energised ingredients.
Our full card of treatments include: Facials, Massage, exfoliations, wraps, zone treatments, hydrotherapy, hot & chilled stones, mineral spa bathing, Eyelash & Eyebrow enhancements, treatments for men, Spa/Lunch, Signature treatments, Spa Rituals, Spa Journeys. Seasonal Specials. We cater for individuals, couples, groups, weddings & bachelorette parties plus Gift Certificates for all occasions. Online or traditional.
Experience the ultimate in luxury sailing and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef with an Aquarius reef cruise from Port Douglas to the Low Isles.
Aquarius is a 62-foot vessel carrying a maximum of 23 guests on a unique and personalised reef experience daily from Port Douglas.
Guests enjoy swimming and snorkelling amongst spectacular marine life including green turtles, parrotfish and fusiliers in the tranquil waters of the Low Isles lagoon.
Your day on Low Isles includes an Interpretive Island Walk to learn and appreciate the history and environment that makes Low Isles a special place. Enjoy the fresh tropical fruit, plunger coffee and seafood gourmet lunch that are provided on your day at the Low Isles.
For a unique holiday experience in tropical North Queensland, watch the sun setting over the mountains of the Daintree Rainforest while indulging in pure relaxation on an Aquarius Sunset Cruise from Port Douglas.
Snorkel and Scuba the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs with Aristocat for a one day Reef Adventure second-to-none. Aristocat visits three pristine, unspoilt outer reef sites teaming with fish and coral life.
Activities include guided snorkelling tours, introductory and certified scuba diving, whale watching and swimming with Dwarf Minke Whales (whale activity seasonal).
Aristocat holds the highest ecotourism certification, Advanced Ecotourism, is an Accredited Tourism Business, and has conducted reef tours, with a guest service and safety record second-to-none, for 21 years.
Guests enjoy the exceptional stability and amenities of the world class Aristocat V ...air-conditioned saloons, ergonomic individual seating (not benches), sofa seating areas for groups and eco-briefings, enclosed hot showers and security lockers. Fresh, healthy tropical buffet lunch, cheese and fruit platters, licensed bar and espresso coffee!
Qualified PADI Dive instructors show non-certified or introductory divers how-to-enjoy a 'Scuba'-dive safely. Small group tuition and supervision is provided above water and all dives are escorted
Snorkelling is the most popular activity on Aristocat - a sheer joy wildlife experience. The small snorkelling tour groups are escorted by experienced, informed reef guides.
Based in Port Douglas, BTS Tours have been operating specialised rainforest tours to the Daintree Rainforest since 1985.
The Daintree Rainforest tour explores the different habitats that combine to create and sustain the tropical rainforest environment. Expert naturalist guides distinguish flora and wildlife of the Daintree's wet tropic lowlands and the mysteries of its evolution and survival over millions of years. The Daintree is a remnant from the break up of Gondwanaland. Gondwanaland was the southernmost of two super continents that included what is now the southern Hemisphere of our planet.
The World Heritage Daintree Rainforest is a pocket of ancient tropical rain forest locked in a biological time capsule on the driest continent on earth where ancient species have somehow survived the ravages of time since the Gondwana break up.
Calypso Reef Cruises, Port Douglas, offers family cruises, reef tours and dive trips to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling and scuba diving. Their reef trip is suitable for all ages and provides a unique reef experience for all guests. Departing daily from the Marina Mirage, the experienced crew will take you to the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in their fast, stable and comfortable vessel, Calypso.
There can be few words left to describe that moment when you actually dip your head under the water and witness Australia's Great Barrier Reef for the first time. It's a bit like you've stepped uninvited into an impossibly colourful underwater world where sea life is busily going about its business just like it has for thousands of years.
There's no getting around it. The Great Barrier Reef is a truly amazing spectacle and to get the best possible experience, you need to be in the hands of experts, people who know the reef like their own back yard. If you want a personal reef experience then blissfully Calypso will provide it.
Flames of the Forest transports you into a world beyond your imagination so relaxing and uplifting for your soul you will never want to leave. A completely intimate natural feast for your senses.
If you are on holiday choose from two different evenings to suit your tastes and your budget - please go to the dining experience. We offer a very different experience to a restaurant being in a pristine natural setting in the rainforest near Port Douglas. It is like no other dining experience in Australia.
Flames is also a magical, private and very exclusive venue for weddings, private parties and corporate groups with tailor made event theming, entertainment and menu design from our award winning catering.
Visit Mossman Gorge and experience the Daintree World Heritage Rainforest with pristine waterfalls, mountains and vivid flora and fauna, all the while getting lost in its enchanting stories and rich Indigenous heritage.
Begin your trip by paying a visit to the Mossman Gorge Centre. Peruse the Indigenous art work, enjoy a light refreshment at Mai café and book yourself onto one of the award-winning Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, The walks are conducted by the traditional owners of the Gorge, the Kuku Yalanji people. Be taken on a journey steeped in heritage as you uncover their ancient culture and traditions.
After a visit to the Centre, an eco-friendly shuttle bus will transport you into the heart of the Gorge where the adventure begins through this unique wilderness. Whether at your own pace on one of the self guided walks through the National Park or with an expert local indigenous guide on the Dreamtime Walks the Gorge is guaranteed to leave you enthused and inspired.
Be taken on a journey steeped in heritage, ancient culture and traditions.
A "must do" for every visitor to Mossman Gorge are the Indigenous guided Dreamtime Walks, conducted by the local Indigenous people. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) meaning stories and legends from a long time ago in local Kuku Yalanji language, takes visitors on a journey along private, easy graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over meandering cool rainforest streams.
It's all about giving you time to relax and enjoy your reef experience without the crowds, and without being rushed....
Poseidon is a fast comfortable catamaran which will take you to the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef in just over one hour so you have five hours 'out there' to swim, snorkel, dive or simply relax, at three magnificent sites. The snorkelling advisor will teach you proper use of the snorkel equipment and safe
snorkelling techniques.
A well researched and informative talk on the biology and history of the reef is followed by a guided snorkel tour where the wonders of the coral reefs are explained and identified. For the more adventurous, scuba diving is available for both introductory and certified divers, with an opportunity to do up to three adventure dives.
Comfort is of prime importance and the vessel boasts a number of great features including an air-conditioned bar/saloon area, large shaded deck areas as well as a spacious sun deck, two toilets/change rooms, and fresh water showers.
Experience the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver - Australia's most awarded reef cruise company. Cruise to the outer edge, sail to the Low Isles or seek the thrill of dive and snorkel adventures. With Quicksilver you choose your own personal reef discovery.
Outer Reef Cruises: For your experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver's friendly crew will take you to the renowned Agincourt Reef, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very outer edge. You'll cruise aboard a high-speed wavepiercing catamaran in air-conditioned comfort. Activities for swimmers and non-swimmers, a spacious activity platform with semi-submersibles, underwater observatory, marine biologists on hand, heli-tours and exciting in-water activities let you fully enjoy this stunning reef world.
Low Isles: For a day of tropical island relaxation, Quicksilver's luxury sailing catamaran, Wavedancer will take you to the idyllic Low Isles, an unspoilt coral island on the Great Barrier Reef.
Silver Series Dive and Snorkel Adventures: Perfect for small groups of adventure-minded people to revel in a day of diving and snorkelling. Choose from luxury catamarans Silverswift (Cairns) or Silversonic (Port Douglas) to enjoy five hours of aquatic fun at three different and spectacular outer reef sites.
Reef and Rainforest Connections is a 100 per cent locally owned and operated, well-established and respected day tour operation, which has been operating day tours out of Port Douglas since 1989.
The company and staff have a philosophy that encompasses consistency and integrity of product, price and service and are committed to environmentally sustainable practices. Their drivers are fully accredited by Queensland Transport and are Aussie Host trained.
In their 21 years of operation, they have continually reviewed and improved their range of day touring products, and are proud to provide the largest selection of day touring options available departing Port Douglas.
Their wide range of products include highlights such as Cape Tribulation, Kuranda Scenic Rail, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Rainforestation, and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.
They are dedicated to giving you personalised and professional service - the best of touring and cruising in the tropics! You can be assured of courteous and personal attention, together with renowned Aussie humour and friendliness.
One of the best reasons to visit fabulous Port Douglas! Experience the Great Barrier Reef aboard Synergy's full day luxury Sail and Snorkel Cruise. Catering for a maximum of 12 pampered guests, Synergy offers exclusive sites, superb cuisine and friendly, five star service. Inclusive of transfers within Port Douglas, morning and afternoon tea, gourmet barbecue lunch, in-water snorkelling tuition and guided snorkelling tour. Synergy is a 'must do' experience when you visit Tropical North Queensland. Relax, snorkel and sail the Great Barrier Reef with Synergy Reef Sailing.
The award-winning Wildlife Habitat is Australia's leading environmental wildlife experience, providing visitors with a change to observe up close, a huge range of flora and fauna. Wildlife Habitat was constructed in 1988 on 8 acres of land that has been recreated to provide a window into our natural environment.
Visitors wander along boardwalks and meandering pathways to experience some of the Wet Tropics endemic species. Allowing for a full immersion experience, the park is divided into four distinct North Queensland environments; the Woodland, Wetlands, Rainforest and Savannah. Wildlife Habitat is unlike any other zoo or wildlife experience you have ever encountered.
Around 300 people gathered in Port Douglas on Saturday 10 February 1923 to witness the unveiling of the war memorial, funded by the ladies of the Port Douglas Red Cross Society. Special trains had been put on to ferry passengers from Mosman and Mowbray. Mrs Catherine Trezise of Mowbray, whose son Joseph had been the first of the district to fall, performed the unveiling. He had died of illness in Malta in November 1915. The memorial featured a soldier statue, facing east, on a high stone base. On the front was a slab with the names of soldiers from the region who had lost their lives. At the time the locality was within Macrossan Street. The post office used to be located on this corner. By 1947 a request was made by the progress association to have the land now known as ANZAC park transferred from the Commonwealth. At the time it remained a customs reserve. Eventually the land was transferred and on ANZAC Day in 1950 commemoration services were held in the newly named Anzac Memorial Park on the waterfront. Repairs were made to the soldier statue at the time and plans were made to beautify the park.
The Wet Tropics World Heritage property extends from Townsville to Cooktown on the north-east coast of Queensland and covers almost 900,000 hectares. The area is a region of spectacular scenery with fast-flowing rivers, deep gorges, numerous waterfalls and mountain summits providing expansive rainforest views. One of the largest rainforest wilderness areas in Australia centres around the Daintree River Valley. This is the only area in the world where two World Heritage listed areas meet, the rainforest grows right down to the fringing World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. The area includes the following: - Daintree National Park - Barron Gorge National Park - Wooroonooran National Park Many different opportunities are provided that allow visitors to experience the Wet Tropics, including luxury accommodation nestled in rainforest; four-wheel-drive tours; bird and crocodile spotting tours. Extensive bushwalking options include the Wet Tropics Great Walk, one of Queensland's new world-class long distance walking tracks. It extends for 110km highlighting the natural and cultural features of this unique area. The Wet Tropics is home to 30 percent of Australia's marsupial species, including the small musky rat-kangaroo, which is the most primitive surviving kangaroo species. The Wet Tropics also provides habitat for numerous endemic species of both fauna and flora. There are at least 390 species of plants that can be classified as rare or very restricted and of these, 74 are regarded as threatened. Aboriginal occupation of the area is believed to date back 50,000 years to the earliest human occupation of Australia. The district was a rich environment for the Aboriginal hunter-gatherers who lived there. About 16 different groups occupied the area and the Wet Tropics area continues to hold great significance for the local Aboriginal communities who identify as rainforest people.
Crystal-clear water cascades over large granite boulders in the Mossman River gorge. Lush rainforests cloak steep mountainsides from the riverbanks up to the rugged eastern slopes of the Main Coast Range. This Rainforest circuit track begins on the far side of Rex Creek bridge. On the left, 80 metres from the bridge, a small lookout provides views of Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi). A little way past the lookout the track divides to form a circuit that meanders through the rainforest. Seasonal track closures may occur from time-to-time due to localised flooding or track maintenance. Stay on the walking track and boardwalk at all times. It is dangerous to enter Mossman River, due to a combination of strong currents, flash flooding, cold, deep water and slippery rocks. Deaths and injuries have occured here. Grade: moderate to easy. Distance: 2.4 kilometres return. Time: allow 45 minutes walking time.
Agincourt Reef, off Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef, is a series of many smaller reefs with at least 16 different dive sites. The Channels offer interesting swim-throughs and caves, while The Gardens are renowned for their exceptional abundance of brightly coloured reef fish. Blue Wonder is a breath-taking wall dive to beyond 40m while Nursery Bommie is a spectacular pinnacle where pelagic fish gather to feed.
Split Bommie, off Port Douglas o the Great Barrier Reef, has an array of colourful marine life from colourful flat worms and Nudibranchs to sleepy turtles and hungry hump headed parrot fish, putting on a show for the snorkeller and divers alike. The marine life thrive on two parallel Bommies, offering bright shallow conditions for snorkelling and a figure eight adventure for the curious divers. Commonly known for its beautiful schools of small fish blanketing the coral rises, or the friendly white tip who might pop in and say hello
Mossman Gorge is a very accessible and scenic section of Daintree National Park, in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Crystal-clear water cascades over large granite boulders in the Mossman River gorge. Lush rainforests cloak steep mountainsides from the river banks up to the rugged eastern slopes of the Main Coast Range. Take an easy 10 minute stroll along the elevated boardwalk that meanders through the lower rainforest canopy and return along the riverside track, enjoying views from several small lookouts along the way. Be amazed by bright butterflies and look closely for well-camouflaged Boyd's forest dragons clinging to tree trunks. More adventurous visitors can cross the Rex Creek suspension bridge and enjoy the 2.4 kilometre Rainforest circuit track through lush rainforest.
Located in the heart of Port Douglas on Macrossan Street, wellness@port Day Spa offers a wide range of spa experiences. Try Hot Stone therapy or 'chill out' in the steam room, get re-aligned with a remedial massage or refreshed with a relaxing Spa Facial. The Spa design creates a most tranquil and relaxed environment. Generous space, light colours, natural materials and a cosy interior offer the feeling of well-being and privacy. Facilities include single and couples treatment rooms, spa bath, dry hydrotherapy, steam room, change rooms and showers plus a dedicated relaxation area with mountain view. According to locals, wellness@port is the classiest day spa in town. They exclusively use the natural Australian brand Waterlily which is inspired by the principles of Aromatherapy. wellness@port is also available for hens parties, girls pampering days and similar group events. The spa can be hired exclusively for several hours with free usage of the steam room and Ocean Wave.
This high continental island, close to Port Douglas, boasts lush vine forests, dense eucalypt forest, mangroves and white sandy beaches. The islands and surrounding waters and fringing reefs are within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Snapper Island is within easy reach of the coast by kayak or small boat, and is popular for camping, birdwatching and small boat fishing. Join a guided kayaking trip with a commercial tour operator to paddle around the island and land on seemingly-remote beaches. Explore the short walking track to a rocky ridge to the northern side of the island. Spend the night bush camping and have the island all to yourself. Drop in a line and try your luck fishing for mackerel and other reef fish in this popular angling spot for small boats.
Janbal Gallery is more than just an Aboriginal art gallery - it is a true Aboriginal Experience - 100 per cent owned and operated by Australian Aboriginals. Come and learn about Aboriginal Art and share Aboriginal culture through hands-on painting and storytelling experiences. Mary and Binna, Janbal Gallery co-owners invite you to come and browse, enjoy and share in an authentic Aboriginal art experience. Binna, the artist in residence, a local Kuku Yalanji man from Mossman. He is passionate about sharing his culture, dreamtime stories and visual interpretations of these with those who are interested. Come and visit their Gallery and learn about the dreamtime, animals and stories of country of the Aboriginal people of the Mossman region. Aboriginal Art Classes: take home with you a true Aboriginal Art Experience that you too can share. While learning about the Kuku Yalanji history and culture, local Aboriginal Artist - Binna will show you the intricate detail and designs used in the art of the Kuku Yalanji people. Bookings are not essential but can be made on their website.
Located off Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef is Tijou Reef, home to many different dive sites, particularly the coral gardens on the inner side and wonderful wall dives on its outer eastern side. The northern tipis commonly known as Shark City. Whitetip, Grey and Silvertip reef sharks are always seen cruising along the wall. Shark feeds are sometimes conducted here. Masses of pelagic and reef fish gather along the steep wall which is covered with incredible variety of colourful corals and invertebrates.